Things to look forward to at the University of Essex

The first month of the new year is officially over, so it’s time to start looking forward to all the brilliant stuff which will be going on at the University over the coming months. Here is a preview of what’s to come…

Sports and Societies

If you decided to give yourself a New Year’s resolution to get more involved in Societies at University, then do it! There are over 100 societies to choose from here, ranging from the Film society to the Yoga and Meditation society; there’s something for everyone’s taste! Apart from the Arts Societies that I overlook, I’m also a member of the Theatre Arts Society. I love the fact that I can get involved in loads of opportunities in the society, which range from stuff like workshops, productions and socials. Here’s a picture of me acting in the society’s recent 24 hour play, which this year was “The Mobile Phone Show” by Jim Cartwright (I’m the one kneeling on the floor on the left!). We rehearsed the play from start to end in 24 hours, before performing it to an audience at the Lakeside Theatre. It was great fun, however it was very tiring and exhausting by the end of it!

You can also get involved in one of our many sports teams as well! Sports teams range from Tennis to Rowing and memberships are free all year round for everyone, so there’s no excuse not to take part! I’m personally a member of the Ultimate Frisbee team, which is surprisingly a really fun sport to play! Although I didn’t get much of a chance to get involved last year, I hope that I can be more involved this year!

You can also go along to one of the many Just play sessions coming up! For those of you who don’t know what this is, Just play is a Student’s Union run scheme which encourages people to get involved in a variety of sports for free. All equipment is provided and best of all there’s no commitment required; you can turn up to as many or as little Just play sessions as you want! It’s a brilliant way to get involved in sport if you want to play just for fun with your friends! Check out the current timetable below to find a session that suits you.

One World Month

Previously One World week, this is a massive celebration of the variety of cultures and nationalities that are represented through the University’s Students and Staff. This year, it’s going to take place in February! There’s loads of events going on, from Chinese New Year to the Holi paint festival. The campus has an even better atmosphere whilst this is going on and it’s a great opportunity to learn about lots of cool stuff from around the world! Here’s a picture taken from last year’s Holi paint festival!

SU leadership race

Being a student at the University of Essex means that you are automatically a member of the Student’s Union. A big part of being a member of the Students Union is having an influence over which Students lead the Student’s Union the following year. Voting in this year’s annual SU elections will take place from February 10th-12th. There are 7 paid full time positions available; VP Welfare, VP Education, VP Southend, VP Student Activities, VP International, VP Services and Communications and President, among a range of unpaid part time positions. All students are able to nominate themselves for election and vote in the election, so have your say and get involved!

Derby Day

Each year, the University of Essex and nearby rivals, the University of East Anglia (UEA), take part in a day of sporting competition, in an attempt to become that year’s Derby Day champion. Competition takes place in over 20 sports and all students are actively encouraged to support the Blades on their bid to glory! Unfortunately, Essex have been beaten by UEA for the past 2 years, but this year we are hosting the competition so we will hopefully have home advantage! The official date for this year’s Derby Day hasn’t been announced yet, but keep your eyes peeled! Here’s a picture of the crowd at last year’s 1st team Netball match.

Summer Ball

Following all of the exams at the conclusion of the year, we’ll have the annual Summer Ball, which is a massive event to celebrate the end of the year and enjoy yourself one final time before the long summer break. Everybody makes a real effort, with the guys wearing their finest suit and tie and the girls donning a variety of dresses. But this isn’t any ordinary ball… it’s like a mini festival with fairground rides, big name acts like Professor Green and Scouting for Girls and loads of surprises as well! Tickets go on sale a few months before the event and always sell out, so don’t miss your chance to come along to the biggest event of the year! Well, maybe not as big as Fresher’s week but its pretty close! Here’s a picture with a few of my friends from last year’s event!

Hopefully that’s got all of you excited for the upcoming months at the University of Essex!